KENTSTAYCATION
DISCOVER Swale CONT .
On the southern side of the island , visitors to Sheppey can find another tranquil hideaway that honours the countryside , yet is equally as unique . The Ferry House ( www . theferryhouse . co . uk ) started life as a family farm and since 2000 has embraced an identity that encompasses a delicious restaurant , four-star bed and breakfast , and luxurious spa treatments . Beautifully situated by the Swale Estuary , consisting of a 16th-century ferry house and a collection of charming farm cottages , the Burden family call their home ‘ the nearest faraway place to London ’. Surrounded by rolling farmland , wild meadows , protected wetland bird reserves and Blue Flag coastline , the scenery of Kentish hamlet Harty , where The Ferry House is nestled , is the perfect escape from city life , with inspiring natural surroundings that change with the seasons . At this time of year , expect crisp winter mornings where the fields and fleets are blanketed with a shallow rolling sea mist and the calls of water birds that echo across the marshes . Four-star ensuite rooms , with relaxed rustic charm , stylish furnishings and luxurious touches make up the bed and breakfast . Whether you are staying or simply coming to enjoy a meal , The Ferry House firmly believe that local is best , showing this through use of bountiful produce from their large kitchen garden , beef and game from their family farm and local estate , plus award-winning spirits distilled from their own grains . What they can ’ t grow , farm or forage , The Ferry House source from a handpicked selection of Kent ’ s best local producers and from these craft wholesome , hearty meals made from 100 % goodness .
For those wanting more of a traditional hotel stay , Swale is also home to Hempstead House ( www . hempsteadhouse . co . uk ). Set in four acres of grounds and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens , this traditional , privately owned country house hotel and spa facilitates everything one might need for a relaxing spa weekend away . Nestled within a handful of beautiful villages and open farmland , Hempstead House provides a peaceful location at the same time as oozing luxury with every individually designed room . With many different spa break packages on offer , indulge in a weekend of blissful relaxation , or simply visit their highly acclaimed , award-winning Lakes Restaurant to sample a delicious meal created from local produce .
During the Day
On the northern coast of the island , where the River Thames and River Medway meet the North Sea , you will find Sheerness Beach with panoramic views across the estuary , in which you can spot the iconic Grain Battery Tower and the coastline of Southend-on-Sea in Essex . Consisting mainly of shingle , with some patches of sand , shell hunters and rock pool adventurers can submerge themselves in exploration and intrigue at low tide , spotting crabs , shrimps and other sea creatures that call this Blue Flag beach home . A 15-minute drive further along the coast , beach enthusiasts can also find Leysdown Beach , a magnificent stretch of coarse sand backed by a wide promenade and sea defences . If you are enjoying a bracing winter beach walk , stop by Neptune ’ s Beach Café ( www . facebook . com / NeptunesCafe ) a beachfront gem serving all sorts of homemade goodies and treats , such as famously good sausage rolls and soft iced cakes . Get a takeaway hot drink to warm your hands as you stroll on the sand , or shelter from the fresh sea breeze inside this little sanctuary .
THE FERRY HOUSE
NEPTUNE ’ S BEACH CAFÉ
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